hermeneutics

Meaning

The study of interpretation, particularly concerning texts, meaning, and understanding. It originates from classical exegesis but was significantly developed in the modern period, especially in relation to phenomenology and existentialism. At its core, hermeneutics addresses the conditions of understanding and the processes by which meaning is constructed.

Synonyms

exegetics

Translations

herméneutique

Hermeneutik

ermeneutica

hermenèutica

hermenéutica

hermenêutica

hermeneutiek

exegese

ermeneutico

ερμηνευτική επιστήμη

فرع اللّاهوت الذي يتعامل مع مبادئ التّفسير

ermeneutica

Pronounced as (IPA)

/hɜːɹməˈnjuːtɪks/

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἑρμηνευτῐκός (hermēneutĭkós, “of or for interpreting”), from ἑρμηνεύω (hermēneúō, “translate, interpret”), from ἑρμηνεύς (hermēneús, “translator, interpreter”); sometimes ascribed as a Carian loanword. Folk etymology suggests a connection with Hermes. The term was introduced c. 360 BCE by Aristotle in his text Perì Hermeneías (On Interpretation).